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New Aussie Civic

Created August 1, 2007, at 7:21 am by aussieinsight

One week ago collected a new Civic hybrid to supplement my Honda Insight. The car is fantastic and the quality is superb. How Honda can do it surprises me.The Hondas in Australia come from Thailand the Hybrid from Japan. one more reason to select a hybrid:p

The first thing I have noticed is the significant reduction in economy on the same journey, the Civic returns 3.9 l/100 km (60 us mpg) the Insight is 2.9 (81 mpg - best 112 us mpg) both with no significant hypermile techniques, except high pressure in the tyres and aligned wheels. I put this down to the size of the Civic - but admit that I am spoiled by the genius of the Insight – that car was a breakthrough in technology.

I am looking forward to the ‘run in’ to be completed to see if the economy improves significantly.

I do like the improvement in the technology in the Civic. I especially like the EV mode. Which seems to kick in at 40 kph and stays on providing you are on a level or downhill road and keep the accelerator steady this is fun (I have done the 3 km from my house to the shops entirely on EV) A larger electric motor and batteries would only enhance the car. Another thing I noticed is that there is little change in economy when a passenger is in the car. (unlike the insight;) )

I do think that anyone who is thinking of a new car should consider (and buy) a Hybrid, the technology is really advanced and the economy is fool proof, my partner struggles to understand how to drive for economy in the Insight because it takes some work the Civic is consistent with little additional effort.

I cannot wait until Honda do another light weight two door (sports), with the current civic drive train. the economy would be amazing!